Gardening

Gardening is good therapy for everyone, no less the amputee. The following hints may make it a little easier.

Germinating seeds in a warm place inside is easily done in early spring before planting them out. A favourite for a range of herbs and vegetables is a small raised garden just near the back door or any outside door. This can be easily organised in a number of plastic plant pots, which can be raised on boxes, or disused chairs or tables etc. It makes the garden easily accessible and there is no need to stoop down. The very enthusiastic gardener may even consider hydroponics as an alternative way to grow produce. For those amputees with balance and mobility problems care must be taken in planning your garden. Plan gaps and width of rows so plants are accessible and ensure surfaces are not slippery.

There is a good range of practical gardening aids available including:

  • Wide-handled grips on tools for people who have difficulty holding onto things
  • Ratchet-pruners in various sizes
  • Gardening aprons with front pockets to hold what is required
  • Weed bags to gather weeds as you go
  • Buckets on wheels to clear away rubbish easily, or specially modified, easy to tip wheelbarrows
  • Weed nets or carpet pieces to reduce the amount of weeding
  • Walking frames with trays

If your mobility is compromised and you would like to continue gardening, you can seek advice from the Occupational Therapy Department at your nearest hospital.

 

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